From 10 to 12 October 2023, the Sino-German Climate Change Project Seminar and the Provincial Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan Preparation Seminar were successfully held in Chongqing. The conference was hosted by the Foreign Environment Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and supported by the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Representatives from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and representatives of relevant local ecological and environmental departments, international institutions, universities and research institutions, industries, and enterprises participated in this event.
Mr. Jiang Zhaoli, Deputy Director General of the Department of Climate Change Response of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Mr. Li Yonghong, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Environment Cooperation Center, Mr. Chen Wei, Deputy Director General of the Chongqing Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, and Mr. Chen Yixing, Director of Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change – NDC Implementation project, gave keynote speeches.
Mr. Jiang Zhaoli emphasized the growing importance of addressing global climate change. He stressed the need for well-planned, science-based, pragmatic and effective action programs. This training aims to raise awareness about climate change’s urgency, fostering innovation, enhancing business capabilities, and improving policy implementation to meet local needs of the provinces and cities. This collaborative effort is shaping a fresh approach to climate change governance, with unique provincial action plans promoting a new era in adaptation governance.
Mr. Li Yonghong highlighted the Center’s role as a pivotal platform for global environmental cooperation between China and other parts of the world. It has consistently bolstered exchanges and collaboration in climate change, partnering with regions like ASEAN, the Lancang-Mekong River, Africa, Latin America, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and others. Furthermore, the Center actively promotes domestic climate adaptation demonstrations, fostering a connection between domestic and international efforts in climate and ecological cooperation. It is hoped this event enhances international projects like “Sino-German Climate Change – NDC Implementation” to boost local climate adaptation. Going forward, the Center will rely on both international and domestic networks to support climate adaptation in key national regions and provinces. Additionally, it will work towards establishing a global partnership for climate adaptation among cities.
Mr. Chen Wei articulated that climate change is a global challenge, and the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government are greatly committed to addressing it. They have thoroughly assessed the effectiveness of climate change adaptation during the 13th Five-Year Plan and have planned adaptation actions for the 14th Five-Year Plan. The next step involves preparing the “Action Program for Climate Change Adaptation in Chongqing,” aligning with the Ministry of Climate Affairs’ directives. This program will incorporate proactive adaptation measures, capacity enhancement in various sectors, and promote the construction of the ” Beautiful China Pioneer Zone” with high-quality environmental quality.
Mr. Chen Yixing noted that GIZ, operating in line with the Ministry of Climate Affairs’ guidance, is actively involved in diverse climate change projects. These initiatives encompass climate mitigation, carbon peaking, carbon neutrality, climate adaptation, and climate investment and financing. As climate change practitioners, GIZ’s responsibility extends beyond addressing the severity of global warming’s; it also involves finding solutions to ensure people’s well-being, highlighting the pressing need for climate change adaptation.
The event focused on two major topics: first, on interpreting climate change adaptation policies and industry experiences, and second, on discussing action plans for climate change adaptation in China’s local provinces and municipalities. Its goal was to enhance local knowledge of climate change adaptation and facilitate the creation and preparation of action plans at the regional level. During the event, over 10 experts in fields like meteorology, water resources, agriculture, governance, health, infrastructure, and investment and financing, both from China and abroad, shared insights on climate risks and adaptation strategies for their respective areas. Meanwhile, representatives from 16 local provincial and municipal departments engaged in discussions about the status, lessons learned, and challenges in developing climate change adaptation action plans for their regions. The attending representatives unanimously expressed that the event provided valuable guidance and support for the preparation and subsequent implementation of local climate change adaptation plans.
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